About Us
Calendar of Events VAFCS 2011—2012
Executive Board VAFCS 2011—2012
A Brief History of our Profession
Core Values
VAFCS:
- Believes in the family as a fundamental unit of society.
- Embraces diversity and values all people.
- Is dedicated to life-long learning and diverse scholarship.
- Prepares new professionals.
- Exemplifies integrity and ethical behavior.
- Seeks new ideas and is open to change.
- Promotes an integrative and holistic approach to the Body of Knowledge.
Calendar of Events
- February 15, 2012 FCS Capitol Day, Richmond
(For the Agenda and registration form click here) - March 28—29, 2012 VAFCS/VEAFCS Annual Meeting, Roanoke
(for Brochure and Registration form click here) - June 25—27, 2012 AAFCS Annual Conference and Expo, Indianapolis, IN
VAFCS 2011—2012 Executive Board
President: Mary Rapoport Email
President Elect: Position Vacant
Counselor: Doris B. Heath Email
Secretary: Lu Ann Bender Email
Treasurer: Patricia Schweitzer Email
Vice President, Communities of Interest: Dr. Badiyyah Waaijid Email
Vice President, Membership: Debbie Will Email
Vice President, Professional Development: Cecilia Glembocki Email
Vice President, Public Affairs: Lauren Giannotti Email
Vice President, Recognitions: Julia Beamish Email
Vice President, Regions: Gloria Harmon Email
Student Unit Representative: Katelyn Seskey Email
State Association Executive: Kay Burke Email
VAFCS 2011—2012 Action Plan
A Brief History of the Family and Consumer Sciences profession and the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences
Family and Consumer Science is an applied field bringing together knowledge from many disciplines. It generates knowledge as well as uses concepts from other fields and applies this information for the betterment of all aspects of family life. Family and consumer science professionals are not content to observe life; they are dedicated to helping families better their situations.
Historical Background
The historical beginning of family and consumer science dates back to 1899 when 11 people gathered in New York for a conference at Lake Placid. At this conference, the name “home economics” was adopted for this new field. Ten annual Lake Placid Conferences were held before the national organization, the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) emerged in 1909. The new organization was chartered on January 1, 1910.
Our Founder
In 1909, Ellen H. Richards founded the American Home Economics Association (later renamed the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences). Ms. Richards was the first female graduate and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an activist for consumer education, nutrition, child protection, industrial safety, public health, career education, women’s rights, purity of air, food and water, and the application of scientific management principles to the family. Her professional experience and foresight led to the formalization of the family and consumer sciences profession.
Our Symbol
In 1926, the American Home Economics Association adopted the Betty Lamp as a symbol for the association. The lamp derived its name from the German word “besser” or “bête”, meaning “to make better”. The Betty Lamp produced comparatively good light for its time and was used widely by early American colonists. Mildred Chamberlain, of Chicago, submitted the design stating, “The lamp in colonial days provided light for all household industries”. Similarly, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) provides enlightenment 
through leadership in thought and action for family and consumer sciences professionals.
In 2010, AAFCS updated the Betty Lamp. It retains the flavor of the original lamp but with a more modern look.
How Do I Become A Member?
Here, you will find many reasons to join this thousands-strong national professional association OR contact Kay Burke, the VAFCS Executive Director
- State affiliate membership
- Networking and leadership opportunities
- Discounts for meetings
- Discounts for insurance
- Continuing Education opportunities
- Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Research Journals
- & Much more
VAFCS Bylaws
VAFCS Handbook
Development Opportunities
The VAFCS BE AN ANGEL Fund (Be an angel and write a check) is a great way to support your professional association. Tax deductible donations can be sent to;
VAFCS Executive Director, Kay Burke
17500 Genito Road
Amelia, VA 23002-4410.
VAFCS Donations can be directed to:
Specific projects or programs
Support Student membership
Support Students attendance at meetings
Our Scholarship funds
AAFCS Donations can be directed to:
The Ida B. Powell fund
The General fund
The Distinguished Award fund